Rambutan - Plant Encyclopedia Results

The Pulasan, or Poolasan is closely allied to the Rambutan and sometimes confused with it.

Dioecious tree reaching 30-45 feet (9-14 m), with a short trunk and a wide, rounded crown. Alternate, compound leaves with 2-5 pairs of glossy leaflets. Flowers small, greenish, in branched axillary or terminal panicles. The fruit is round to ovoid, about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length, with a bumpy red, purple or yellow peel. The pulp is white or yellowish, translucent, juicy, sweet and aromatic. Delicious fruit, sweeter than the rambutan and lychee, but very rare outside of southeast Asia. An ultra-tropical species, needing lots of water for much of the year, and a humid climate.

Pulasan is propagated by seed, grafting or air layers. Seed propagation is not usually preferred, as the trees may be males or have fruit of inferior quality. Both bud and approach grafting are used. Grafted trees begin to produce fruit at about 3-5 years.

The Pulasan is from the humid tropics, and grows well where abundant moisture is available year round, although it does tolerate brief periods of drought. The best growth is achieved in fertile, well drained soils, from sea level to about 1,000 feet (305 m) elevation. Regular fertilization will also improve growth and fruiting.

The flesh of ripe fruits is eaten raw or made into jam. Boiled or roasted seeds are used to prepare a cocoa-like beverage.

Ruby red and covered with fine green-tipped hairs, the rambutan is one of the most attractive fruits and also one of the most delicious when eaten at the peak of ripeness between May and September when it is most plentiful. A knife is used to slit the skin around the middle, after which it opens easily and the flesh can be eaten with a fork as a memorable after-meal treat. It is beginning to appear in specialty markets. It is grown in the same way as Litchi. The fruit is the white fleshy aril surrounding the single seed. It is sweet and acid and can be eaten raw or stewed. The seed has to be started in high humidity and good warmth in a sandy soil mix kept evenly moist. When germination occurs (and this may take many weeks) and green growth shows, transplant the plant to a pot of rich soil. Keep the seedling evenly moist and warm. The rambutan is a leafy branching plant that makes a distinctive accent. Although you might have to search for the fruit, it is worth the time.